Hibernians-Floriana clash tops bill

Sep 7, 2017

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A week on from the much-hyped qualifier between Malta and England at the National Stadium, the attention of local football followers shifts back to domestic matters as the BOV Premier League resumes with another seven-match programme.

The third league matchday is marked by some intriguing fixtures as champions Hibernians take on title hopefuls Floriana while Balzan meet Sliema Wanderers.

The clash between Hibernians and Floriana at the National Stadium on Saturday tops the bill as these two teams are widely fancied to play a leading role in the fight for honours this season.

Hibernians have made a strong start to the season, winning their opening two matches against St Andrews (4-0) and Ħamrun Spartans (1-0) respectively while Floriana have four points after following up their 1-1 against Birkirkara with a 5-0 rout of Tarxien Rainbows.

Both clubs had players on international duty last week. Hibs goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, defender Andrei Agius and midfielder Bjorn Kristensen featured in Malta’s World Cup qualifying defeats against England (0-4) and Scotland (0-2) while Floriana had midfielder Steve Pisani playing in both games.

The match between Hibernians and Floriana will be preceded by the match between Balzan and Sliema Wanderers who signed midfielder Edmond Agius before the end of the transfer window.

Balzan will be looking to bounce back from their unexpected 3-2 defeat to St Andrews before the international break while Sliema Wanderers will be seeking to build on their 5-1 mauling of Naxxar Lions.

The Lions, who last week unveiled Yahya Kirdi as their new president, have another tough game this weekend as they face Valletta on Sunday.

Valletta have six points after grinding out identical 1-0 victories over Mosta and Senglea Athletic.

The third matchday of the 2017/18 BOV Premier League starts on Friday when St Andrews, on a high after their 3-2 victory over Balzan, take on Ħamrun Spartans who lost 1-0 to Hibernians in their last match.

Gżira United will have high hopes of maintaining their perfect start as they meet Tarxien Rainbows, who are still without a point, while Birkirkara will be going all out to make amends for their 2-0 defeat to Gżira in their last outing, when they meet Mosta on Saturday.

Paul Zammit will take charge of his first match as Birkirkara coach since returning for a third spell at the helm of the Stripes last week.

The remaining fixture is a direct encounter between two promoted sides as Lija Athletic, still without a point after two matches, square up to Senglea Athletic who have one point.

Apart from the BOV Premier League matches, this week also sees the start of the BOV Division One and Two championships while the first-round matches of the FA Trophy (Brought to you by Boost Diesel) will also be played between Friday and Monday at four different stadia.